My Nonprofit Reviews

Citizen of Raleigh

My child has been a member of one of the ensembles of the Philharmonic Association for the last seven years. It has been an exceptional experience from having friends with similar interests to learning advanced music in a quality environment. This is an organization that takes up all the slack that our education system cannot cover because funding for music and the arts have been cut so drastically in the last few years. It is extremely beneficial in giving a music education to the individuals that want to pursue music to those who love it but will be come professionals in other careers. The individuals who run the program (especially Mr. and Mrs. Partridge) are extremely dedicated to giving the best possible experience for all the participants and the performances. This program never turns away any musician due to the lack of the ability to pay the fee required to play. This is very honorable and enables many students to have this great education no matter what they can afford. This is something that we should all applaud and support. There are many wonderful volunteers and incredible conductors that help make the program successful. The PA is run well and very efficiently. Please support them by coming to a concert!

How do you feel you were treated by this organization?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

The Philharmonic Association is located in Raleigh, NC, and it is an organization that has six musical ensembles. Three of the ensembles are youth symphonies, two are string orchestras, and the sixth is a jazz ensemble of high school aged youth. The five orchestra/symphony ensembles study and perform classical music. With music education being decreased for our children in the public school system, I see the PA (Philharmonic Association) as an ESSENTIAL part of our community. I can write forever on the benefit of musical studies for students of any age; it truly develops the mind and makes children smarter. Because of the multiple levels of the PA ensembles, all children have an opportunity to learn and study classical music in an orchestra setting. The PA does not discriminate in any way with respect to someone not being able to afford the cost of participation. The PA will find a way for someone who gets into an orchestra to be able to participate; they waive fees for those who cannot afford them. That is such an honorable and great commitment and needs support from all of us. The PA works with the North Carolina Symphony enabling ensembles to have two rehearsals with an NCS coach for each orchestral section. In addition, the three top ensembles perform at the same venue as the NC Symphony. This is a great way for the young musicians to see what it is like to perform in a professional orchestra setting. Playing in a musical ensemble is a team sport for many of the youth and a great way to meet, socialize, and develop friendships with others who have similar interests and are from all over the area. The concerts are a joy for the audience as well as those performing. Many of our community come to see these young musicians as a way of enjoying classical music. The PA nurtures classical music and the minds of our children. Lastly, there are many dedicated people behind the scenes of the PA. Some of which are the conductors who give hours of their time and commitment to provide the young musicians with the best experience possible. The Philharmonic Association helps young people to develop not only as musicians but as well-rounded individuals. This is an association that I strongly support!

Role: General Member of the Public & First I was an audience member, but over the years my child and friend's children have been a part of the PA.